“I hope maybe in a couple of days we sign new players who are going to come in make us a top team next year,” Toure admitted, speaking to the club’s official website.

“We always have to finish first but it’s going to be difficult as we have opponents like Chelsea, they’re going to strengthen, Arsenal as well,” he continued.

“Liverpool have already started, United will do it as well.”

Toure’s comments come in the context of the Citizens’ chase of Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, who has been heavily linked with an imminent move to the Etihad Stadium

The forward has made clear his desire to quit Anfield this summer, with his agent Aidy Ward confirming that the England international will not be signing a new contract at the club [Standard].

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have already had two bids rejected for the attacker [Express], although it remains to be seen whether they will return with another bid to meet Liverpool’s £50 million asking price [Telegraph].

With a third bid not yet forthcoming, Sterling’s behaviour has deteriorated as he potentially looks to force through a move.

The attacker refused to travel with Liverpool on their pre-season tour, while also skipping training after calling in sick [Daily Mail].

Speaking to talkSPORT, ex-Reds midfielder Jason McAteer has accused City of trying to engineer a lower asking price for the player by encouraging Sterling to force Brendan Rodgers to sell, although it remains to be seen whether there is any truth in the midfielder’s suspicions.

Beyond Sterling, City have also been linked with the likes of Jack Wilshere [Daily Mail] and Fabian Delph [BBC], whose arrivals at the Etihad Stadium may also be those being referred to by Yaya.